North Carolina Criminal Law UpdatesCommon holiday criminal charges in North Carolina involve impaired driving (DUI/DWI), alcohol-related disputes that turn into 
assault allegations, breaking or entering motor vehicles during shopping season, and drug possession linked to holiday travel and parties. Understanding how these cases are treated in North Carolina helps you make informed decisions if someone in your life is facing charges.
Holiday celebrations bring families together, fill downtown Raleigh with activity, and create the kind of crowded social environments that carry a higher risk of legal trouble. With more than thirty-three years in courtrooms in Wake County, John Fanney has seen the same patterns return each December.
Holiday criminal charges in North Carolina often reflect a mix of lowered inhibitions, crowded public spaces, and quick decisions that have long-term consequences. Raleigh’s nightlife, office gatherings, and holiday traffic create conditions where small misjudgments can escalate into criminal allegations. While every case depends on its specific facts, certain patterns appear year after year. The following sections describe how these charges develop, what the law actually requires, and the first steps someone should take after an arrest.
